Voyeur Photography – Elevating the Art of Fashion Photography
Darkly hypnotic and irresistibly provocative. The work of Voyeur Photography is the stuff fashion magazine dreams are made of. When photographer Cha’n Andre picks up his camera the results are astounding. Nuanced portraits, sensual nudes, and fashion editorials that burst with color and vibrancy, Andre’s work comes across as a complete vision, each new photo part of a larger story that only he knows the ending to. After emerging just two years ago, Voyeur Photography is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the fashion industry. With a strong signature style and a portfolio that includes several major publications, the cast of America’s Top Model, and some of the industry’s rising talents, Voyeur Photography is one to watch.
NM: What inspired you to become a photographer?
VP: I’ve been in entertainment for a lifetime and have been very involved in visual aspects of many artist careers… in that I’ve always loved photography.
I am a huge fan of so many of the greatest artist… even beginning photographer’s work inspires me. There’s something about being a “Voyeur” into the mind of a photographer. Seeing life as they see it.
I was always excited when it was time for the big photo shoots. I spent so much time on photo shoot sets watching other artist create and seeing the affect it had on the subject, it was always so exciting to me. And I love to make people feel and know they are beautiful. So I suppose it was inevitable that I ended up shooting.
NM: How did you get you start in the business?
VP: That’s a good question. I just picked up my camera and started shooting. I had played around with it for a long time, but never serious, but I felt myself really wanting to “say something”.
I didn’t think I’d have some huge impact or make any kind of dent, or even express anything that hadn’t been done before. I just felt good shooting, so I did.
I got serious when I started shooting my partner. He was such an inspiration to me! My “muse”. He made me want to be better and better and shoot more and more. I grew because of him. You see what you see now because of his constant inspiration. I guess him being one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever seen didn’t hurt.
For the longest time I called myself a photographer, but I wasn’t shooting anything and I had nothing to show for it. I was so afraid I wasn’t good enough and that my work would never stand up to the people I loved so much. I was embarrassed to even show my work. I hated asking people to let me shoot them and I never imagined a day when people would come to me and ask me to shoot them. One day I decided to put action behind my words and that brought me to…
NM: What type of work do you prefer to do?
VP: I don’t have a preference. I know what I don’t like.
I’m not a “head shot” photographer. I’ve just recently brought someone on board who’s great with that. It’s funny because I love to LOOK at headshots, but I have accepted that it’s not really something I like to shoot, or ever want to do. Maybe it’s the restrictions and boundaries involved.
Otherwise, I just love to shoot honestly…
NM: How would you describe your personal style?
VP: By personal style, I’m assuming you mean in my photography? Well, I would say it’s dark but full of life and light. I would say my images are all individual stories.
Someone I respect and admire so much told me recently that I say with one image what it typically takes a full story to say. He told me that much like himself, my images are little movies. That was a huge compliment. I haven’t figured out as of yet if that helps or hurts me… it’s really paid off for him, so I’m accepting that I’m doing something right.
I would say my photography is expressive. An exaggerated reality, all the colors of life poured out on a canvas of truth. LOL! THAT’S SO CORNY!!! (But true).
NM: As an African-American in the fashion industry, do you feel that you have had to work outside of the system to gain success?
VP: I have actually never really tried to work within the system. I’ve been afraid and a little intimidated. I know that has come to affect me financially, but I haven’t taken the steps to get involved.
I don’t think my race would cause an issue though. I think my vision is expressed without boundaries. Even though I’ve gained the reputation of the “COCO BROWN, CARAMEL SKINNED LOVING PHOTOGRAPHER” oh yeah and my favorite, “The NAKED PHOTOGRAPHER”.
I guess once I truly make the leap, I’ll come back and let you know. I’ve only been “really” shooting for almost 2 years in July.
NM: Who are some of the clients you have worked for and what are some of the publications your work has appeared in?
VP: Clients? I’ve done everyone from the guy next door, to the church pastor, one of the writer creators of one of the longest running and most successful shows in history, girls and guys from hit reality shows, stars of TV series… the aspiring and the inspiring. I’ve shot them all.
I love the pros! They get in there and make me sweat. I don’t have a favorite, but there is one diva who I’ve shot who I love because she makes me work to catch those moments… she’s the real thing!!!
The ones I really love are the ones who didn’t believe they could do it… and when they see the finished product, they glow! I love that!!
NM: How does your commissioned work differ from your personal projects?
VP: The only difference is the level of “artistic control”. I’m a collaborator by nature, but I don’t like to be put in a box.
Could I ever shoot for Target? Hmmm. I would love that money, but I think they would fire me!
My personal projects all come out like films! I have some stuff in the fire now that I can’t wait to share with the world.
I’m an extremist! I like to do it big or not at all… I have an issue finding that middle ground… I’m working on that. Like India Arie says, “…come back to the middle.
I want to use these gifts I have to be considered and respected. That’s what I want. To entertain and excite, to inspire…
NM: What do you look for in the models you choose to work with?
VP: FEARLESSNESS!!! Something beautiful, something quirky. I love newbies! I like to be the first one to find that “thing” someone possesses. I find beauty in things that most over look.
VP: I want three major huge covers! I won’t say which, because I could block my possibilities! I already know they will happen.
Beyond that I don’t limit myself with “goals”. Sometimes we get so focused on the goal that we miss other great experiences because of tunnel vision. I see the whole scope.
I will take it all as I attract it to myself. I know that there is much to say, and much to do and I just want to be prepared when the opportunities come.
NM: What projects are you currently working on or have you recently completed?
VP: TBA! COMING SOON!!!
NM: What do you feel you have contributed to the world of fashion photography with your individual talents?
VP: Nothing new, but I feel I have inspired people.
I get so many messages about how people feel about my work, it’s great to hear and it makes me want to keep doing it to inspire that kid who was afraid to pick up the camera. I tell them I didn’t train or school, I just picked it up and went.
I think we’re all photographers by nature. We spend our lives taking “pictures” in our minds of experiences, good and bad. We keep them documented in our memory.
So if my memories and the way I see life can make someone feel beautiful, inspire someone to do what I do, re-inspire someone who has lost the passion, break down walls, open minds… then I’m doing what God wants me to do.
